My Everyday Make-up

Doing my make-up on the daily is a routine that keeps dull days worth living out. I spend extra time perfecting my face, and it makes me feel confidently beautiful…and sometimes, late. When I’m not trying out new make-up for the blog, these are my go-to products!

YouTube is abuzz with NikkieTutorial’s spontaneous discovery of Nivea Men’s Shave Balm; it happens to be a brilliant alternative to a primer! I got mine as a little pasalubong from my best friend from her US trip. It works absolute wonders! It blurs out pores, smoothes out my skin, and makes my make-up last the entire day. I can sweat, commute, and still look good after a long work day. The smell is very strong (think men’s cologne) once applied but it fades after a few minutes.

Catrice Camouflage Cream in Light Beige(P329, Watsons)

I tried the Catrice Camouflage Cream as recommended by Liz of Project Vanity. It’s not exactly life-changing but it does cover my acne and dark circles plus it’s good to highlight certain features. It’s already very pigmented with just one swipe. It also doesn’t dry up fast unlike my L.A. Girl PRO Conceal.

L’oreal True Match Liquid Foundation in Nude Beige (P600, Watsons)

I finished my bottle of the much raved about Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation after three months which led me to try the L’oreal True Match Liquid Foundation. (I bought it for P450 during one of their month-long sales.) It does a great job of covering my blemishes and dark spots. It feels weightless, and it leaves my skin with a beautiful satin finish. It carries 18 shades which makes it easy to find the perfect shade for your skin. It does have some hints of shimmer – nothing too noticeable – so that’s something to consider.

Bourjois Paris Loose Powder in Peach (Watsons KK)

To set my face after applying my foundation, I use the Bourjois Loose Powder which makes my skin feel velvet smooth and matte. It’s a life-saver especially during long day shoots but I just hate how loose powders, in general, are so messy; it gets everywhere.

Eyes

Fashion21 Eyebrow Gel in Light Brown(P165, Watsons)

I’ve never been one to do my kilay…surprise! My brows have always been thick since time immemorial (just look at my baby pictures). I never really bothered doing mine but so many of my friends told me I’m missing out. I grabbed the Fashion 21 Eyebrow Gel on a trip to Watsons out of curiosity. I love how it matches my (artificially colored) brown hair. The gel has some shimmer so I tame it with my Nichido Mascara Brush. The gel fills out my sparse areas but I think I can still make do with days devoid of the product.

I alternate between the two mascaras. Fashion 21’s Double Up Mascara – a favorite among local beauty gurus – is the best local drugstore mascara I’ve tried. It lengthens my lashes very well. I’m on my second tube already, and I know I’ll keep repurchasing it. A number of people compliment my eyes when I wear it! It’s so easy to remove, I find that facial wash does the trick. Maybelline’s Lash Sensational is another favorite. I love how it volumizes my lashes but because of how big the mascara wand is, application can get messy. I’m also such a fan of the pink packaging! Because of how waterproof it is, I use micellar water or cleansing oil to remove it.

Stila Eyes Are the Window Shadow Palette in Mind (Sephora KK)

A recent matte eyeshadow convert, I just had to get this Stila palette during my trip to Sephora in Malaysia last summer. It has a wide selection of neutrals and bright colors that are great to build up and mix together. Also, as an eyeshadow rookie, I don’t find the colors intimidating at all. Wit and Creativity (browns) are great as a duo. Perception (orange) is amazing on its own. I can probably live life with just this palette in tow – but that would be depressing.

Aside from the Maybelline Brown Nudes, nowadays, my everyday lipsticks happen to be Happy Skin’s The Morning After, which is a beautiful mauvy pink, and MAC’s iconic Velvet Teddy, a universally flattering nude. The Morning After feels so weightless, like there’s nothing on my lips to begin with. The formula is so unique, I haven’t chanced on any lip product quite like it. I plan on getting all the other Moisturizing Matte Lippies! Velvet Teddy is so pigmented and wears great with all make-up looks. I’m so close to finishing it – a miracle in itself – which reminds me to get a new tube soon.

Essence’s Soo Glow is the most beautiful and subtle highlighter I’ve tried from the drugstore. It looks great on my morena skin and lasts on the high points of my cheek all day (it doesn’t on my nose bridge and Cupid’s bow). Sadly, it isn’t available in Essence counters locally. I’m such a fan of the German-based brand, in general, after several product tries. They deserve more rave!

Nars Blush in Madly (P1,450, Nars)

Madly is the perfect bronzer for my color! Because it’s so expensive, I only use it on weekends and special occasions. I use my Zoeva Nude Spectrum Blush Palette on the daily. It gives the perfect tan color on my skin without looking overdone. It’s also great as an eyeshadow base for days when I forget to bring my palettes.

Tools

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler(P1,400, Shu Uemura)

I’ve been a believer of the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler ever since my Japan trip two years ago. (Tip: it’s P900 in Narita Airport.) This will be a beauty essential ’til my last breath.

As a beauty beginner, I don’t think I’m in any position to invest in Zoeva or Sigma brush sets so after scouring the drugstore for good local beauty brushes, I finally found them! The F&S (Features&Shades) brushes are all spectacular but my absolute must-haves are the Foundation Brush, the Slanted Concealer Brush, and the Large Eyeshadow Brush. The bristles are so soft that I’m actually trading these for my Real Techniques!

Any beauty products you’ve tried from the list? Let me know in the comments!

Elisa Aquino

Elisa Aquino is a portrait photographer, life(style) writer, passion blogger, and beauty rookie from Manila, Philippines. This platform exists to document her daily musings and to showcase the life-changing power of grace to transform women from ashes to beauty.

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